The Benefits of Lavender from Our Local Expert

Fresh lavender is just around the corner.

By Sarah Emily Gilbert

You don’t have to travel far to inhale the intoxicating scent of Provence, France. Hidden Spring Lavender Farm and Gift Shop is Skillman’s South of France. For over six years, Steve and Marie Voorhees have grown and harvested two-acres of lavender to sell in their barn turned retail store.

In the warmer months, the Voorhees’ fields are overwhelmed with the fragrant purple-blue blooms that later become artisan lavender products. Year round, Hidden Spring Lavender sells handmade, all-natural products from the essential lavender oil and lavender grown on their property. The products range from carpet refresher and fire starters to pet powder and bath bombs.

In addition to being the perfume of Mother Nature, lavender essential oil can be used in cosmetics, the kitchen, and the medicine cabinet. According to Marie Voorhees, lavender has a myriad of lesser-known health benefits, such as acting as a natural mosquito repellent.

“Lavender essential oil has the ability to reduce anxiety; relieve headaches; help you relax and fall asleep; and relieve the pain of a burn while helping it heal faster,” she explains. “It can also relieve the pain of a bee sting; stop a cut from bleeding and throbbing; stop a nose bleed; and treat skin irritations such as poison ivy and rashes.”

Pictured here are Hidden Spring Lavender’s Dream Pillow and Linen Water, which Marie suggests to help with relaxation and sleep. To view more of the over 200 products available at 890 Route 601 in Skillman, visit www.hiddenspringlavender.com, where you make online orders.